A shield is not an implement of defense but a weapon.
While one of its uses is to receive attacks, that alone is insufficient; doing so amounts not to defense, but to evasion.
Upon receiving a powerful slash at an angle, the appropriate counter is to drive the shield into the enemy with a twisting motion, crushing both shield and sword. Then, taking advantage of the opened gap, one can slide their own blade in, caressing the inner thigh gently.
“Femoral artery severed.”
This spot is difficult to guard even when armored, due to being a joint. Moreover, a major bl**d vessel runs through it, meaning that a severing blow will cause profuse bleeding, leading to swift unconsciousness. For members of the Human Race, abandoning such a wound will likely result in d*ath within minutes; smaller races may succumb even faster. Only those with high vitality, like the Tunnel Dwellers or large beastmen, might remain functional for some time.
Defense and offense are two sides of the same coin. However, this large slab does have mass and momentum, which lends it considerable utility.
With a cry like some strange bird, the foe raises their shield and cradles their sword, advancing to meet my own step forward. By lowering my hips and angling the shield edge upwards, I can slide it underneath the enemy’s shield, lifting and disabling their ability to thrust.
Next, simply kick their exposed legs out from beneath them and tap the forehead with the blade’s tip.
“Nasal severance.”
Just as this move complements the finishing blow, a shield can play a secondary role in delivering such attacks. By deflecting an attack while simultaneously preparing one’s own strike, the shield serves as a catalyst. Once practiced enough, the shield can elevate one’s swordplay to new heights.
Advancing cautiously with an eye to close distance, I drive my shield into the enemy with full-body force, raising their guard and sliding my sword across the abdomen.
“Abdominal opening.”
If one aims for the weak spots between armor plates, even without immense effort, the blade will find its way through. Depending on skill and the quality of the sword, it may reach the flesh or not, but this method is far easier than cutting someone down through armor. The result is a burst of internal organs, transforming the inside of the armor into an ocean of entrails, sending the person to the heavens soon thereafter.
The shield rushing in unexpectedly is trying to sweep mine aside. However, the angle is imperfect. If the strike isn’t calculated with precision, it won’t merely deflect the shield—it’ll create an opening for the sword to slide through.
Ironically, an imprecise strike can be dangerous. One might end up being struck in the head by the enemy’s shield in what resembles a cross-counter, sliding unnaturally underneath the defending shield.
“Skull depression.”
Struck with a reinforced metal shield, the cranium will easily fracture, causing brain damage. Whether immediate d*ath or paralysis ensues, the enemy will be rendered incapable, and their skull can be split open with the same effort as breaking a hog’s neck.
Ah, another significant use of the shield that one mustn’t forget is the ability to repel opponents. Pushing back an attacker towards another can turn an enemy into a protective barrier while reducing overall forces, a benefit that’s almost too sweet.
“Ugh!?”
“Ah! Sorry, Ksulth!”
Oh, someone managed to land a good blow on my shoulder—that hurts. But lowering my weapon out of concern for the ally I wounded would be foolish. The correct move would be stepping back briefly before counterattacking to avenge my friend. Driving the tip of my sword into the edge of the shield, delivered swiftly into the throat, is how one should respond.
“Carotid severance.”
This too is a well-known human vital area. The bl**d vessel supplying the brain pumps powerfully, and once cut, bl**d sprays like a mist, causing a rapid drop in bl**d pressure and brain function, leading to a peaceful eternal slumber. Even the mighty Ogres, who are incomparably resilient compared to the Human Race, are rendered helpless when beheaded, making this a critical point to remember.
Yes, shields are great—a defense skill like “Dexterity” applies, allowing for a boosted “Graceful Precision” value that goes beyond mere stats. Adding the “Mastery” skill “Shield Proficiency” enables reactive techniques such as “Deflection” and “Shield Bash,” potentially turning lethal attacks against their originators.
Though it may feel like drawing a bad lot, in terms of practicing techniques, the year’s labor was beneficial. And the chaos leading up to my return was worthwhile too.
Repelling, kicking, and cutting down enemies in a frenzied dance makes for excellent exercise. As sweat pours and body temperature rises, a pleasant sense of euphoria sets in. The brain releases endorphins, and gradually, one becomes slightly high—until…
“Alright, that’s enough.”
No more standing foes remain, which is expected.
“Thank you.”
As I bow in gratitude, the scattered self-defense force members respond with deep, resentful tones that reverberate like something from the depths of hell.
Needless to say, what we’ve just practiced isn’t mortal combat. Despite severing many vital points, the snowy field before me remains pure—it’s only a mock combat using wooden swords and imitation shields. I merely joined their mock training for fun.
However, thanks to Mr. Lambert’s idea of having all members attack me, it turned into quite the challenge. With the rule that allows endless respawns in house sparring, the fallen kept rising, leading to an arduous struggle without my endurance being optimized for such scenarios.
Initially, senior members aiming to test the mettle of the junior who’d just returned and younger hopefuls eager to witness their seniors’ skills engaged me. Once they started losing, they attacked with relentless fervor, creating a dangerous situation. In the end, everyone threw caution to the wind, prepared to exhaust themselves, leaving no room for jests.
Ah, I’ve come to understand the plight of soldiers facing determined foes in siege warfare. Too much pressure isn’t healthy. Perhaps the Threefold Empire forbids starvation or pillaging because they don’t want to face opponents like these.
“You’ve become quite adept with the shield, haven’t you?”
As I wipe the sweat and drink water from a bucket with a dipper, Lambert, dousing the fallen warriors, laughs heartily. Despite this being quite harsh for this time of year, his cheerful demeanor remains unchanged as ever.
“Yeah, the orders from my employer, or should I say master, are well-placed.”
Initially, there were concerns about adjusting to using a shield with the agility I’ve shown with just a blade alone. However, upon trying it, the shield proved surprisingly manageable. A small buckler allows for light movements while still enabling delicate actions, using not brute “Stamina” or “Strength” but “Dexterity” for effective parries.
Furthermore, since my magical focal point is a ring on my left hand, using a shield doesn’t interfere with casting spells during combat. This opens up a potent combat style where I employ magic while dueling, revealing my employer’s astute understanding.
Thinking back, that person was quite the tactician, relentlessly pursuing optimal solutions. If we ever sat at the same gaming table, we’d likely both recoil at the absurdity of each other’s power outputs.
Ah, it’s a pity. Who would create and popularize a TRPG for me? I believe that person has the necessary knowledge.
Even though they dislike socializing, they’re surprisingly affectionate with family and would most likely provide meticulous guidance were they to lead a gaming circle…
My idle thoughts were abruptly doused with a chilling surge of malice. Jerking back in reflex, I glance behind me to see the imposing figure of our self-defense captain standing ready, mock weapon in hand.
Whoa, that’s scary… Even without an actual surprise attack, his mere intent fills me with an urge to flee. Just the sheer oppressive spirit exuding from this man could debuff ordinary soldiers, making them useless.
His severe features highlighted by a gleaming golden eye revealed a battlefield veteran who feeds on bl**d and conflict. It was the rational hunger of a professional soldier.
With his massive two-handed sword casually slung over his shoulder, appearing almost motionless, not a single gap or opportunity to exploit was visible, causing frustration.
He made a beckoning motion with his free left hand, the Threefold Empire style of invitation, which involved raising the palm upward and then scooping it towards the body. Such a definitive “come at me” challenge was rare.
Well, whether I can meet expectations is uncertain, but I’ll borrow his strength to test myself.
The large two-handed sword is truly the weapon of professional soldiers. Reaching nearly as tall as a person, these heavy blades are difficult to wield. Mishandling them risks harming oneself and allies.
However, with skill, these swords surpass long spears in agility, capable of cutting straight through pike formations into the heart of the enemy. This is the weapon of choice for the feared mercenaries of the Threefold Empire, known for overwhelming foes with sea-like bl**d and clouds of entrails through chaotic battles and recruited soldier formations under tight tactical control.
There are valid reasons behind the fear of mercenaries wielding massive two-handed swords. It’s not just about wielding heavy weapons but the manner in which they fight without reservation, all for the sake of efficiency—throwing themselves into spear formations with only a single blade, cutting through the pike tips, diving into the enemy despite some inevitably failing to deflect them. This isn’t the courage of an individual but the bravery of those accepting the risk of losing life to achieve the greater goal.
In such a battlefield setting, even Lambert, who is a mercenary and yet holds an honored commendation, shows remarkable prowess.
Adjusting the shield and circling right, where wielding a sword in the right hand tends to exert more force. The sword held to the side aims for thrusting. Leveraging the height difference, I intend to lunge into the enemy, targeting the knees or ankles, unguarded weak spots that if severed would render foes unable to continue fighting.
However, my movement must have greatly impressed Lambert.
That massive, longsword was… properly wielded with both hands.
Until now, I had only seen him casually swing it with one hand, yet this “ritual” blade’s weight was more suited to ceremonial use due to its immense weight, able to cut as precisely as extinguishing a candle’s flame.
Now, what would happen with both hands wielding it?
“Ugh!?”
It’s this.
The slash was so fast it was nearly invisible, a fierce whirlwind attack enveloping me. Adjusting the angle of the shield to avoid being crushed between it and the sword, but the pressure forces me backwards. Retreating with the momentum, I’m still blown back by the residual force of the attack.
What a striking blow. Without a doubt, if it were a real weapon, it would penetrate the armor’s hit points and cause damage. Not brute force, but a calculated application meant to sever and overwhelm through precision. Judging by the attack’s potency, failing a skill check might result in losing reaction capabilities entirely.
This exemplifies balancing flexibility with hardness, followed by the mastery of breaking the soft with the hard.
Combining sword skills with various traits and skills to create powerful combos, leveraging physical characteristics to amplify output. That’s the system they built. It’s impressive how others construct these combos. I wish my power could also perceive how other people’s combos function.
“How about it? Are you finished already?”
“…Not even close!!”
Alright, enough lamenting. Filled with fervor, I charge again at Lambert.
The top-heavy greatsword swings quickly, and his skill makes the broad arc of the blade both extensive and close together. Aiming to strip away my shield’s edge rather than the plane, the strikes are nasty. Every rare gap I exploit with my own blade is “kicked” aside—a truly grueling experience.
Though it’s difficult to attack from my current position and rotate easily, it’s an annoyance for Lambert too, I suspect. Yet even a slight miscalculation on my part could invite a devastating counterattack, making this a rather taxing situation mentally.
Deflecting a diagonal strike with the shield in grazing contact, I dart toward his face with the sword. He deflects with a quick turn of his neck. Instantly, a log-like knee thrusts out almost shaving my hair. Before I can retaliate, I roll backward, narrowly avoiding the follow-up slash.
Standing up immediately and deflecting a horizontal strike upward, at that moment… with a cataclysmic sound, my shield shatters into splinters.
“Ah!?”
Training shields are shaped circularly from leftover timber with metal hoops for reinforcement—adequate for handling wooden practice blades but clearly not built to withstand repeated strikes from Lambert’s sturdy steel.
“Nnnn…”
On the other hand, Lambert’s wooden blade is warped too. His wooden weapon couldn’t withstand the power of his seasoned arm. It’s fortunate that my skill played some small role in the destruction.
“Ah!? Captain, you’ve broken it again!?”
“Troublesome! We’ll get yelled at by Smith’s boss!?”
“Hey captain, how many have you broken this time?”
“It’s him! It’s not my fault!”
The cries of the self-defense force, tight on budget, indicated the conclusion of our bout. Rescued by the tepid criticism of the onlookers recovering from the free-for-all, I shake my left hand that’s gone numb and exhale in relief…
【Tips】 The self-defense force’s operating budget is funded by the Deputy but is modest. Their activities are often supplemented with donations from the Manor.
Lambert watched the free-for-all training with a feeling of pleasure not experienced in a long while.
That was the day of selection: Amidst crying children felled by his controlled blows, stood a single, seemingly least-promising boy. With a face like a young girl, he stood, wiped the bl**d off, and rose a second, third time—picking up a stone to defend against attacks.
Talent is something mysterious. Who would anticipate such delicate features suitable for carving statues being shaped into a formidable swordsman?
He had honed the self-defense force to a level they could proudly declare themselves unyielding against mercenaries. With their numbers evenly matched, or even slightly fewer, Lambert knew from experience they could manage a victory. And he was satisfied with that.
However, there was something uniquely remarkable about Erich. Like a parched field drinking in water, he absorbed techniques and blossomed with skill. Even amidst rough battlefield styles, he cultivated a steadfast rationale, applying reason to turn disadvantages into strengths—something rarely seen even within the old mercenary ranks.
Hence, he provided Erich with special practice. A boy barely ten or more years old deserved no less. The self-defense force could handle it with pride unscathed.
Before leaving the Manor, this was already how strong he was. While others might attribute his strength to innate talent, such a degree could not be reached by talent alone. Lambert himself recalled many battlefield encounters where knights or mercenaries slipped through unscathed but remained unbeatable.
There are rare individuals who shine uniquely amidst groups, turning group disadvantages into victories. Such unjustly powerful individuals do exist in this world.
Lambert himself bore the same confidence. Even surrounded by overwhelming forces, he gathered seasoned warriors around himself to repel enemies. What the attacking adversary experienced would indeed be described as unjustly hard.
Upon Erich’s return from the Imperial Capital, this same aura of overwhelming strength was apparent. Training his entire force, capable enough to not embarrass themselves, into a cohesive unit taking shape into a formidable combat entity—this was the result of relentless practice.
Watching them being toyed with was laughable. Though practical free-for-all training excludes spears or bows, the wooden imitations of shields, swords, and greatswords barely even grazed each other. With no single clash and vital points being struck repeatedly, it was almost comical.
To add, the ease with which he conducted himself only made it funnier.
He had enough tricks left up his sleeves. Even if surrounded, he could devise ways to counter-attack.
As those capable faded, Lambert finally gave in to his excitement. Challenging Erich with a weapon, despite his probable fatigue, Erich enthusiastically countered.
He was no longer someone to be dealt with by a half-hearted one-handed swing. Grasping the weapon firmly, Lambert intended not to “teach” but to “obliterate” with determination.
Erich, however, didn’t fall. A blow aimed at points where deflection was impossible was met by a tilted shield, barely blocking and then retreating to avoid being crushed between the blade and the ground. Impressive judgment indeed, displaying rooted adaptability and swift thinking corresponding to his abilities.
With a more vicious sneer, Lambert unleashed moves only seen in dire battlefield situations—infusing techniques into his blade, targeting vital points relentlessly, unbothered by the inability to execute certain moves due to not having his favored greatsword. The wooden training blade and the improvised tools were no match for such a battle, making the conditions more egalitarian.
Within a few rapid exchanges, Erich continued deflecting with uncanny accuracy, leaving Lambert thoroughly pleased. Every countermove displayed exquisite skill—moves that would leave a less capable swordsman injured and at a disadvantage.
It was heartwarming to witness such a fine swordsman’s development.
People have their strengths and aptitudes. Training without understanding these is all too common.
Many youngsters are enamored with wielding greatswords due to their immense power, only achievable with a large frame full of muscle. Yet in truth, only a select few can achieve true mastery over such long and heavy weapons. They require more than mere dexterity and are notoriously difficult to wield without proper skill.
Many have seen aspiring warriors begin poorly, squandering natural gifts by attempting greatswords, only to crumble over time due to misunderstanding their limitations.
Erich, however, wisely chose the appropriate method. His future may grow, but without an overwhelmingly large frame, he’s well-suited for combat that balances speed and power—a sophisticated approach fitting his frame.
Beyond this, he innovates effectively. Always keeping his sword in a position that’s hard to reach and even harder to deliver effective blows, it’s a frustrating but effective strategy. Using a longer sword with easier handling, he makes it doubly difficult to counter his moves. Combining that with a shield, this makes him a particularly challenging adversary.
Let us test something here and invite Erich into close combat.
A sequence learned from experience: intimidating an opponent through punches and kicks, then dealing an all-out blow. A mercenary’s arsenal is not just their weapon but their entire body, capable of manipulating every limb to their advantage. After delivering a kick and creating a gap, a powerful slash from an unavoidable position follows.
Let’s see how he handles it.
A brief stiffness, then Erich deflected the blow correctly—not with the shield’s plane but its edge, which is more suitable for guiding the blade upward. While slamming it down with full force would have been simpler, it could leave his lower half vulnerable. Thus, he must have chosen to split the shield’s force.
Deflecting the blow upward in such an unstable stance is difficult. Achieving this would require extraordinary core strength and meticulous force modulation, without which the shield and defense would crumble.
But Erich successfully executed the countermeasure, maintaining balance.
Even if the shield broke into splinters, it’s understandable given its daily misuse in training and its quality. More impressively is the fact that it managed to withstand such overwhelming force for so long.
An inner sigh and moving into a ready stance with a calculated and controlled strike of his own. But noticing the warped wooden blade mid-motion.
The shock of the rebound had distorted it substantially. Initially of rough material, it, like the shattered shield, could not withstand Lambert’s force. Yet it’s more likely this happened due to being too perfectly deflected by Erich.
The experienced mercenary, regardless of age, felt a pang of regret losing to a fifteen-year-old’s full-on counterattack. His mouth tingled with bitterness imagining his own time at that age, leaving him in a disheartening state.
In addition, yet another important tool destroyed…
“Ah!? Captain, you’ve broken it again!?”
“Troublesome! We’ll get yelled at by Smith’s boss!?”
“Hey, captain! How many shields is this now?”
This battle has come to an end. Amidst the scolding from subordinates, Lambert quenched his urge to mentor the young man seriously someday… and swallowed it down…
【Tips】 Mercenaries of the Threefold Empire. They are semi-professional soldiers who earn livelihoods through battles, exceling in frontline chaos with their superior combat skills and leadership. The conscripted peasant soldiers can barely fight due to the support of pikes; without number advantages, they are fragile in chaotic battles.
But since their purpose is to earn through combat, they do not participate in hopeless sieges or visibly losing battles, making them difficult to manage. Mismanagement might result in the mortal blade flying from the adjacent line….
With our reunion, it’s time to show my master the growth.
Next, we’ll explore the use of accumulated experience points.
Once again, much support has led to nominations in the RanoBe News Online Awards’ General, New Work, and Comprehensive New Work categories for the April 2020 section.
Excessive thanks and encouragement continue to be appreciated immensely. Pushing forward with renewed vigor!
